Outlawed... the stars' mock period homes

The tacky features have always made style snobs wince.

Now the imitation "traditional" country houses and mock Tudor homes favoured by Essex millionaires and celebrities such as Catherine Zeta-Jones have fallen foul of planning officials. Ministers today axed guidance that had allowed such homes, which they condemned as a "pastiche of historic styles", to be built in the countryside.

They said local authorities should favour innovative, modern designs instead.

The new rules are supported by the Royal Institute of British Architecture and architect Norman Foster and aim to "create buildings that people will want to visit in 100 years time".

The new planning policy statement replaces "Gummer's Law", issued by former Tory environment minister John Gummer, which relaxed planning guidance to allow traditional houses to be built in the countryside.

Planning Minister Keith Hill said it was time to promote contemporary design, adding: "Changing the face of new country house architecture from a pastiche of historic styles to innovative cutting-edge design is essential if the best of British architecture is to be encouraged."

The new PPS7 guidance for rural England makes it easier for people to overcome strict regulations on new homes in the countryside if the designs "reflect the highest standards of contemporary architecture".

It favours innovative design, modern methods of construction, the use of sustainable building materials and developments with a reduced impact on environmental resources.

RIBA president George Ferguson described the move as "a brave and vital endorsement... of the value of excellence in design".

Lord Foster, designer of the Swiss Re "gherkin" in the City, added: "This is a very progressive initiative and I am delighted that this provision has been included."

A spokesman for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister said designs for traditional buildings in the countryside would "still be considered".